Tory transport policy does not make sense, claims ICE

TORY ATTEMPTS to seize the high ground in the debate over the UK's transport network have been damned as 'political opportunism' by the ICE.

Institution political affairs spokesman Owen Simon said the Conservatives' Fair deal for motorists policy was 'a slender document . . . which doesn't make much sense'.

He added: 'If, as they propose, the Conservatives would halt increases in fuel duty, how would a Tory government fund the alternatives to car travel they also favour. To describe their proposals as vague would be an understatement.'

However, Simon said Tory Transport spokesman John Redwood was right to challenge the Government as Labour's transport policy was 'a serious weak spot'. He expressed the hope that pressure from the opposition would counter efforts by some in the Labour administration to sideline the transport debate because it was viewed as a vote loser.

The Tories' '10 commitments to the motorist' also include opposing plans to introduce road tolling and work place parking charges; promoting bypass schemes for villages; and introducing a minimum 50mph speed on motorways.

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